CBD for Anxiety

Preliminary evidence suggests that CBD may act as an: anti convulsant , anti psychotic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective agent. Furthermore, some evidence suggests that CBD oil may be an effective intervention for the ongoing management of anxiety disorders. Social anxiety disorder happens to be one such disorder against which cannabidiol oil has been proven to be quite effective.

CBD oil contains anxiolytic properties which are highly beneficial for keeping the stress and anxiety at bay, but do not happen to be psychoactive.

CBD exerts several actions in the brain that explain why it could be effective in treating anxiety. Similar to SSRIs, CBD may boost signaling through serotonin receptors. In an animal study, Spanish researchers found that CBD enhances 5-HT1A transmission and may affect serotonin faster than SSRIs. Researchers noted:

“The fast onset of antidepressant action of CBD and the simultaneous anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effect would solve some of the main limitations of current antidepressant therapies.”

Research shows both SSRIs and CBD may promote neurogenesis. This is significant, because evidence suggests that severely impaired neuronal plasticity may influence suicidal behavior. Future research comparing CBD and SSRIs effect on neurogenesis could open up promising new avenues in how we understand depression and how to most effectively treat it.

Numerous animal studies and accumulating evidence from human experimental, clinical, and epidemiological studies suggest CBD has powerful anti-anxiety properties. Administered acutely (“as needed”), it appears safe, well-tolerated, and may be beneficial to treat a number of anxiety-related disorders, including:

Panic disorder

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Social phobia

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Mild to moderate depression

Building on the foundation of animal studies, human studies are starting to provide evidence to demonstrate that CBD can improve many commonly reported anxiety-disorder symptoms, including acute stress and anxiety.

In another small study, researchers had patients suffering from Social Anxiety Disorder perform a simulated public speaking test. Participants reported significantly less anxiety, findings supported by objective anxiety indicators like heart rate and blood pressure.

CBD has the potential to play a significant role in treating a multitude of anxiety-related disorders. While more research, including large randomized-control trials (RCTs), is clearly warranted to examine the long-term effects and potential for CBD, its demonstrated efficacy and highly favorable safety profile (particularly when compared to currently available drugs) make it a viable alternative or adjunct to currently available pharmaceuticals.